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Following a new report showing the state added about 55,000 jobs so far this year, New Jersey economists are pleased with the progress but said the state still has some catching up to do, according to NorthJersey.com.

The state Treasury Department's report Thursday points to 7,900 jobs added in November. Counted with jobs created the rest of the year, the growth in jobs puts New Jersey on track for the highest uptick in jobs in 15 years, NorthJersey.com reported.

While the unemployment rate is now at 5.3 percent -- just a little above the 5 percent national average -- the state still hasn't recovered the 250,000 jobs lost during the 2007-09 recession, NorthJersey.com said.